Retractable tie down and method of using

ABSTRACT

A retractable tie down for tying a work vehicle down to a cargo vehicle is disclosed, the tie down including a retractor assembly fixed to the outer surface of a work vehicle; a belt with one end connected to the retractor assembly; and a coupling connected to the other end of the belt, wherein the belt has a length sufficient to reach the cargo vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to work vehicles, and more particularlyto tractors or work vehicles that are transported on trailers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skid steer loaders, tractors and other work vehicles typically work onjob sites that are remotely located from the vehicle storage location orgarage. The vehicles are loaded onto a trailer or truck bed fortransportation between the storage location and the work site. Beforetransportation, one or more vehicles are driven onto the trailer andfirmly secured to the trailer. A secure load is necessary in order thatthe vehicle does not fall off the trailer during transportation.

Securing vehicles to a trailer is usually performed with chains, and theprocess requires several steps. The loose chains are stored in a boxwhen no load is being transported. The chains are removed from thestorage box, untangled, and cleaned of mud and debris. One end of achain is attached to the trailer. The chain is then pulled thoughopenings in the chassis of the vehicle and the other end of the chain isattached to the trailer. The chain may have one or more hooks to make iteasier to fasten them to the trailer. The chain is then tightened usinga come-along, winch or other chain-tightening device. This process isrepeated for each securing point. If the chains are tangled andmud-clogged, the load securing process is delayed. The chain attachingand tightening phases are also time-consuming, as chains slip duringattachment and they are heavy and awkward to handle and thread throughopenings in the chassis of the vehicle.

The number of securing points is determined by the load stability, whichis further influenced by the height, weight, and footprint of the loadon the trailer. The transportation laws of the state or country may alsoproscribe the number and type of securing methods and points that areused. Currently, securing a load to at least four points is common. Asmore securing points are used, the time required for the operator tofully secure the load increases. Also, with more securing pointsrequired comes the need to carry and store more chains for attaching thevehicle.

Trailers typically have many locations along their sides to which chainsmay be secured. There are far fewer potential locations on the workvehicle itself around or through which chains may be looped or threaded.A typical work vehicle has only a few attachment points, and these aretypically disposed low on the vehicle chassis around the tires. Often,there is no attachment point, or an attachment point that is notconvenient, forcing the operators to, wrap the chains around vehicleaxles, frame members or bumpers.

Attachment points on work vehicles are typically covered with mud, iceand other debris after a long work day. They have to be cleaned beforechains are attached to or threaded through them. The operator typicallygets quite dirty when threading the chains to attachment points orwrapping them around frame members. Worse, if no attachment points arewithin reach, or at the proper locations on the vehicle to secure thevehicle well, the operator must climb onto, over, or under the vehicleto secure the chains.

The chains are typically tightened by a winch or come along with one endfixed to the rail on the side of the trailer and the other end extendingto the end of the chain that was just passed through the attachmentpoint on the work vehicle. In another arrangement, a retractable deviceis mounted to the bed of a truck or trailer, and a strap is extendedwith a hook at the end that is attached to the trailer's cargo. Thestrap is tensioned by a tensioning mechanism located partway along thebelt. This arrangement requires that the operator pull the belt tightand hold it while locking the tensioning device. Due to its location onthe bed of the truck or trailer, the retractable device is prone to dirtand ice encrustation.

What is needed is a process of securing a work vehicle to a trailer thatrequires minimal steps. What is also needed is a retractable tie downmechanism that does not require looping or attaching to the vehicleduring the load securing process. What is further needed is aretractable mechanism that is mounted to the vehicle, and isself-retracting such that the operator need only pull a hook out fromthe vehicle and attach the hook to the trailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a retractable tiedown is provided that includes a retractor assembly, a belt including afirst end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to theretractor assembly, and a coupling connected to the second end, whereinthe retractor assembly is fixed to a work vehicle.

The belt may be selected from a group consisting of a fabric strap, ametal strap, a chain, and a cable. The retractor assembly may be springloaded to retract the belt into the retractor assembly. The retractorassembly may further comprise a manual lock, the lock including a lockposition and an unlock position, wherein in the lock position the lockprevents the belt from further extension from the retractor assembly,wherein in the unlock position the lock permits the belt to furtherextend from the retractor assembly. The retractor assembly may furthercomprise an internal locking device, wherein the internal locking deviceis configured to automatically engage the belt to prevent furtherextension of the belt, after the belt is extended and extension has beenstopped by the operator. The retractor assembly may further comprise amanual release, the release including a release position and anunrelease position, wherein in the release position the internal lockingdevice is disengaged from the belt, wherein in the unrelease positionthe internal locking device is not disengaged from the belt. The manualrelease may be biased to remain in the unrelease position. Theretractable tie down may further comprise a cover, wherein the cover ispivotally attached to the retractor assembly, wherein the coversurrounds the retractor assembly. The cover may be spring loaded. Thecover may have an open position and a closed position, wherein in theopen position the operator can access the retractor assembly, the beltand the coupling, wherein in the closed position the operator can accessthe belt and the coupling, and wherein the cover is spring loaded andbiased to remain in the closed position. The retractor assembly may beremovably fixed to the work vehicle with at least one threaded fastener.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a method forsecuring a work vehicle onto a trailer using a plurality of retractabletie downs, wherein the plurality of tie downs are fixed to the workvehicle, the method comprising the steps of (a) driving the vehicle ontothe trailer, (b) unreeling a free end of one or more tie downs from thework vehicle, (c) attaching the free end of one or more tie downs to thetrailer and (d) tensioning one or more tie downs.

The work vehicle may be a skid steer loader including towers and loaderarms. One or more tie downs may be fixed to one or more towers. One ormore tie downs may be fixed to one or more loader arms. Step (d) mayinclude a step of driving the vehicle forward or backward until the tiedowns are tense. Step (d) may include a step of raising or lowering theloader arms until the tie downs are tense. The tie down may include amanual release and step (d) may include steps of activating the manualrelease, and automatically retracting the free end of the tie down ontoa reel by a spring force. The tie down may include a manual release andstep (b) may include steps of activating the manual release, and pullinga free end from a reel under spring tension. The tie down may include amanual lock, and step (c) may include a step of activating the manuallock to prohibit the free end from further extension.

In accordance with the third aspect of the invention, a retractable tiedown for securely tying a work vehicle down to a cargo vehicle fortransport, is provided the work vehicle being supportable on andtransportable by the cargo vehicle, the tie down including: means forsecuring the work vehicle to the cargo vehicle; means for retracting thesecuring means, the retracting means being coupled to the work vehicle;and means for coupling the securing means to the cargo vehicle; whereinthe means for retracting is fixed to an outer surface of the workvehicle and the means for securing has a length sufficient to reach thecargo vehicle.

The means for securing may be selected from a group consisting of afabric strap, a chain and a cable. The means for retracting may includea means for coiling the securing means; and a tensioning means coupledto the coiling means to retract the securing means into the retractingmeans. The retracting means may also include a means for locking thesecuring means, the locking means being movable between a lock positionand an unlock position; wherein in the lock position the locking meansis configured to prevent the securing means from further extension fromthe retracting means; and wherein in the unlock position the lockingmeans permits the securing means to further extend from the retractingmeans. The retracting means may also include a means for automaticallylocking the securing means; wherein the automatic locking means may beconfigured to automatically engage the securing means to prevent furtherextension of the securing means, after the operator (1) initiallyextends the securing means, and (2) subsequently stops extending thesecuring means. the retracting means may further include a means forreleasing the securing means, the releasing means being movable betweena release position and an unrelease position; wherein in the releaseposition the automatic locking means is disengaged from the securingmeans; and wherein in the unrelease position the automatic locking meansis not disengaged from the securing means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a work vehicle having retractable tie downs inaccordance with the present invention, showing the work vehicle on atrailer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a retractable tie down, fixed to theside of the work vehicle, with its cover closed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the retractable tie down of FIG. 2 with thecover raised.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the retractable tie down of FIGS. 2-3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method of using the tie downs to securea work vehicle to a cargo vehicle in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a cargo vehicle 100 that comprises a tractor 102 coupled toa trailer 104. A work vehicle 106 (here shown as a skid steer loader) ismounted on trailer 104 for transport. Ramps 108 are coupled to the endof trailer 104. They are supported by the trailer at one end and aresupported by the ground at the other end. They support work vehicle 106as it is driven on to trailer 104.

Cargo vehicle 100 is configured to carry and transport work vehicle 106from one job site to another, typically over the open road. In thepreferred embodiment, shown here, cargo vehicle 100 is a tractor/trailercombination.

Trailer 104 has an elongate bed and a plurality of cargo securingfixtures 110 that are fixed on either side of the trailer bed. A seriesof these fixtures 110 extend the length of the bed on either side. Inaddition, several fixtures (not shown) are disposed on the upper surfaceof the flat bed of trailer 104. Fixtures 110 are preferably slots, asshown here.

Skid steer loader 106 includes a chassis 112, two left and two rightwheels 114 supporting the chassis, left and right tracks 116 that wraparound the left and right wheels, left and right loader arms 118 thatare pivotally coupled to the chassis, a bucket 120 that is pivotallycoupled to the loader arms, and left and right loader arm lift cylinders122 coupled to the loader arms.

Skid steer loader 106 also includes left front and right frontretractable tie downs 124, and left rear and right rear retractable tiedowns 126.

Chassis 112 includes two towers, posts or uprights 128 that are disposedon either side of, and at the rear of, operator compartment 130. Chassis112 extends the length of loader 106 and provides a base on which theloader arms 118 and wheels 114 are mounted.

Two wheels 114 are disposed on either side of the vehicle in afore-and-aft relation. Only the two wheels on the left side areillustrated in FIG. 1. The wheels on the right side of the vehicle aredisposed identically but in mirror relation, since skid steer loader 114is symmetric about its longitudinal axis.

Tracks 116 are continuous loops of metal links or are elastomeric beltsthat extend around the periphery of the wheels on each side of thevehicle 106.

Two loader arms 118 are disposed on either side of the vehicle 106, andare pivotally coupled to towers 128 at their rear ends. The front endsof loader arms 118 are coupled to bucket 120. Only the left loader arm118 is shown in FIG. 1. The right loader arm is identically arranged butin mirror relation.

Bucket 120 is pivotally coupled to the loader arms 118 to be raised andlowered whenever the loader arms 118 are raised and lowered.

Loader arm lift cylinders 122 are hydraulic cylinders that are coupledto and between chassis 112 and loader arms 118 to lift the front ofloader arms 118 with respect to the chassis 112. Only the left sideloader arm cylinder 122 is shown. The right side loader arm cylinder 122is identically arranged, but in mirror relation. Each cylinder 122 ispivotally connected at one end to the chassis 112 and is pivotallyconnected at the other end to a loader arm 118. Whenever the cylinders122 extend and retract, the forward ends of the loader arms 118 raiseand lower with respect to the chassis 112.

Tie downs 124, 126 are configured to secure skid steer loader 106 to thetrailer 104 for transport over the road. Left front and right front tiedowns 124 are fixed to the front of the left and right loader arms 118,respectively. Left rear and right rear tie downs 126 are fixed to leftand right towers 128, respectively.

Only the left side tie downs are illustrated herein. The right side tiedowns and the left side tie downs are identically constructed andarranged. The only difference between the left side and right side tiedowns is that the right side tie downs are disposed on the right side ofthe vehicle in mirror relation to the left side tie downs.

Tie downs 124, 126 are identically constructed and are shown in moredetail in FIGS. 2-4. Each tie down 124, 126 includes a retractable belt132 that is configured to attach at its free, lower end to trailer 104of cargo vehicle 100. The free end of belt 132 includes a coupling 134that is configured to be fixed to cargo securing fixtures 110 of trailer104.

Tie downs 124, 126 are preferably located at the four corners of vehicle106 as shown here. A similar placement will work for many four or sixwheel work vehicles, such as tractors, backhoes, trucks, and off-roadrecreational vehicles. This placement allows a wide separation betweenthe cargo securing fixtures 110 to which the tie downs are attached. Byattaching a vehicle to widely separated cargo securing fixtures 110, thevehicle 106 travels better over the road and is less likely to shiftunexpectedly.

Tie downs 124, 126 are preferably located high on the vehicle, as shownherein. A high position keeps them clean, and makes it easy for theoperator to reach the belts when he is attaching a vehicle 106 totrailer 104.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of tie downs 124, 126. Theparticular tie down illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 is left front tie down 124,which is also shown in FIG. 1. Since all of the tie downs on the vehicleare constructed identically to left front tie down 124, they are notseparately described herein. The description of left front tie down 124applies equally to all the other tie downs 124, 126 on vehicle 106.

Left front tie down 124 include a mounting plate 136 fixed to skid steervehicle 106, a retractor assembly 138 fixed to the mounting plate, abelt 132 fixed to (and extending from) retractor assembly 138 at oneend, and coupling 134 that is fixed to the free end 140 of the belt. Tiedown 124 also includes a cover 142 that extends around and enclosesretractor assembly 138, and a fastener 144 for attaching tie down 124 toskid steer vehicle 106.

Mounting plate 136 is the base to which the other components of tie down124 are attached. Plate 136 has a through hole 146 at its upper end.Fastener 144 extends through hole 146 and is attached to left loader arm118. Fastener 144 is preferably a bolt, and left loader arm 118preferably has a threaded mating hole 148 to which fastener 144 isattached. In the case of rear tie downs 126, fastener 144 is attached tothe towers at the rear of the skid steer loader.

Retractor assembly 138 is fixed to mounting plate 136 and is configuredto selectively extend, retract, and store belt 132.

Retractor assembly 138 includes a housing 152 that supports the othercomponents of assembly 138, a spindle 154 that is fixed to housing 152,a reel 156 that is supported for rotation on spindle 154, a retractingdevice 158 coupled to reel 156 to tension and wind belt 132 on reel 156,a manual lock 160 coupled to housing 152 to prevent the extension orretraction of belt 132, an automatic lock 162 for preventing theextension of belt 132, and a manual release 164 for releasing automaticlock 160.

Housing 152 of retractor assembly 138 is fixed to mounting plate 136.The other components of retractor assembly 138 are attached to housing152.

Spindle 154 extends across the inside of the housing 152 and is fixed atits ends to housing 152. Spindle 154 extends through the hollow core ofreel 156 and supports the reel for free rotation within the housing.

Reel 156 is mounted for rotation on the spindle 154. Reel 156 rotates onspindle 154 to wind and unwind belt 132. Reel 156 has a slot 166 towhich end 150 of belt 132 is fixed. One end of reel 146 has first teeth168 that engage manual lock 160 when it is moved to its lock position,and second teeth 170 on the other end of the reel that engage automaticlock 162.

Retracting device 158 is provided to wind and tension belt 132 onto reel156, thereby retracting belt 132 into retractor assembly 138. Retractingdevice 158 includes a spring 172 mounted on the spindle. Spring 172keeps tension on reel 156, which, in turn, tensions belt 132. One end ofspring 172 is connected to the side of the reel 156. The other end ofthe spring is connected to housing 152. A suitable alternativeretracting device may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,458, which isincorporated herein by reference for all that it teaches regarding analternative retracting device. Spring 172 will retract belt 132 into theretractor assembly 138 if it is not otherwise prevented, such as by theoperator, by manual lock 160 or by automatic lock 162.

Manual lock 160 is provided to lock belt 132. Manual lock 160 locks reel156 in place, which prevents belt 132 from being in either withdrawnfrom or rewound into retractor assembly 138. Manual lock 160 has twopositions, and unlock position and a lock position. When manual lock 160is pressed toward reel 156, it engages first teeth 168 on reel 156. Inthis position, reel 156 cannot rotate about spindle 154. When manuallock 160 is withdrawn from reel 156, it disengages with first teeth 168and permits reel 156 to rotate.

Automatic lock 162 is contained inside the housing 152 and is configuredto automatically lock belt 132 when belt 132 is extended and the belt'sextension is stopped. In use, the operator extends belt 132 to apreferred length, attaches coupling 134 to a cargo securing fixture 110on trailer 104, then allows or otherwise causes retracting device 158 totake the slack out of belt 132, reeling any excess belt length back intoretractor assembly 138. Automatic lock 162, functions like an automobileseat belt, locking belt 132 when it begins to retract and preventing itfrom being extended until manual release 164 is activated. Analternative automatic lock that may be used in place of automatic lock162 is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,581, which is incorporated byreference herein for all that it teaches regarding an alternativeautomatic lock.

Manual release 164 is provided to release automatic lock 162 and belt132 when it is moved to its release position. Manual release 164 permitsbelt 132 to be withdrawn from retractor assembly 138. Manual release 164has a release position and an unrelease position. In the other releaseposition it permits automatic lock 162 to again engage belt 132.

In use, when the operator pushes manual release 164 to its releaseposition, manual release 164 responsively defeats, overrides anddisengages automatic lock 162, permitting the operator to further extendbelt 132 from retractor assembly 138 typically by pulling on belt 132against the tension of the spring. When the operator moves manualrelease 164 to its unrelease position, automatic lock 162 functionsnormally, locking belt 132 after its subsequent extension stops andretraction begins, just as before. In one embodiment of the invention,manual release 164 is spring loaded, overriding automatic lock 162 foronly so long as the operator holds manual release 164 in its releaseposition, and manual release 164 automatically returns to its unreleaseposition when the operator stops holding it. In another embodiment ofthe invention, manual release 164 does not automatically return to itsunrelease position, but stays in its release position until manual movedback to the unrelease position. In yet another embodiment, no manualrelease is provided and automatic lock 162 is only released when belt132 is withdrawn substantially completely into retractor assembly 138.This arrangement is familiar to passengers in automobiles who use seatbelts.

In the preferred embodiment, however, manual release 164 is preferablybiased toward its unrelease position, so that the operator has to holdthe manual release in the release position once the automatic lockengages if he wishes to further extend belt 132.

Belt 132 is preferably a fabric strap. Alternatively, belt 132 may be acable, cord or chain.

Coupling 134 is preferably a steel hook. It may be covered with rubberor plastic for better gripping. Alternatively, coupling 134 may be aD-ring, a C-ring, a chain link, an eye, or a fabric loop formed in theend of belt 132.

Cover 142 encloses retractor assembly 138 and protects it and belt 132from the elements. Cover 142 includes a hinge 174 and a hinge spring176. Cover 142 is generally box-shaped, having five walls and one openside. The open side faces mounting plate 136 and retractor assembly 138.Hinge 174 is attached to mounting plate 136, and is pivotally connectedto cover 142. Hinge spring 176 is configured to bias cover 142 towardmounting plate 136.

FIG. 5 demonstrates a method of securing the work vehicle to trailer 104for transport. The work vehicle is first driven onto trailer 104. Theoperator then extends belts 132 from the four tie downs 124, 126 andattaches the belts to fixtures 110. The operator then tensions thebelts. Once the belts are tensioned appropriately, the operator thendrives a cargo vehicle 100 to the next job site.

In step 178, the operator drives vehicle 106 up ramps 108, onto trailer104 of cargo vehicle 100, to an appropriate central position on trailer104.

Vehicle 106 is preferably positioned such that at least two frontfixtures 110 are disposed forward of the vehicle and forward of tiedowns 124 to permit belts 132 from tie downs 124 to be extendeddownward, forward, and away from the vehicle by the operator to the atleast two fixtures 110 to which tie downs 124 are coupled.

Similarly, vehicle 106 is preferably positioned such that at least tworear fixtures 110 are disposed behind the vehicle and behind tie downs126 to permit belts 132 from tie downs 126 to be extended downward,backward and away from the vehicle by the operator to the at least twofixtures 110 to which tie downs 126 are coupled.

Vehicle 106 is also preferably positioned such that at least two leftside fixtures 110 are disposed on the left side of the vehicle such thatleft side tie downs 124, 126 can be extended by the operator downward,outward, to the left, and away from vehicle 106 to left side fixtures110.

Vehicle 106 is further preferably positioned such that at least tworight side fixtures 110 are disposed on the right side of the vehiclesuch that right side tie downs 124, 126 can be extended by the operatordownward, outward, to the right, and away from vehicle 106 to right sidefixtures 110.

In step 180, the operator climbs out of the operator compartment oftractor 102, or out of the operator compartment 130 of vehicle 106 afterhaving driven vehicle 106 onto trailer 104. The operator grasps the freeend of a first tie down 124, 126, and pulls that tie down toward theappropriate cargo-securing fixture 110. Reel 156 of that tie downunwinds under spring tension provided by spring 172 until coupling 134of the tie down reaches the desired fixture 110 on trailer 104. Theoperator then attaches coupling 134 to desired fixture 110 and releasesbelt 132. Spring 172 then retracts any slack in belt 132, winding itaround reel 156. Automatic lock 162 engages, preventing belt 132 frombeing further withdrawn from retractor assembly 138.

Should the operator wish to reposition this tie down, after it has beentensioned, he presses manual release 164, withdraws additional slackfrom retractor assembly 138, and unhooks coupling 134 from the desiredfixture 110.

Alternatively, if the operator is satisfied with the location of thefirst tie down, he repeats the belt-extending and coupling-attachingsteps of the two previous paragraphs for the remaining three tie downs.

The tie downs may be initially locked with manual lock 160 in theirretracted positions when the operator drives vehicle 106 onto trailer104. If they are locked, the operator first switches manual lock 160 toits unlock position, releasing belts 132, before withdrawing belt 132from retractor assembly 138 and connecting coupling 134 to fixture 110.

If the operator wants additional security, he can alternatively engagemanual lock 160 of the tie downs after they have been coupled tofixtures 110.

In step 182, the operator tensions the belts of the tie downs in anymanner, for example (1) by releasing them and having them rewindautomatically into retractor assembly 138, (2) by manually tighteningthem, (3) by raising the loader arms, or (4) by driving the vehicleforward or backward to apply a tension to the belts.

Steps 180 and 182 can be intermixed. The operator need not attach allthe tie downs to the trailer, and subsequently tension all the tiedowns.

For example, in one method the operator can attach tie downs 126 tofixtures 110 located behind vehicle 106, then release the tie downs forautomatic rewind into retractor assembly 138, or alternatively drivevehicle 106 forward, thereby taking the slack out of belts 132 extendingfrom tie downs 126.

Alternatively, the operator could attach tie downs 124 to fixtures 110located forward of vehicle 106, then release the tie downs for automaticrewind into retractor assembly 138, or alternatively drive vehicle oneof six backward, thereby taking the slack out of belts 132 extendingfrom tie downs 124, or alternatively raise loader arms 118 tensioningboth of tie downs 124 simultaneously.

Once rear tie downs 126 are attached to their respective fixtures 110and tensioned, the operator can subsequently attach front tie downs 124and tension them. Similarly, once front tie downs 124 are attached totheir respective fixtures 110 and tensioned, the operator cansubsequently attach rear tie downs 126 and tension them.

As yet another alternative, the operator can successively attach andtension each tie down 124, 126 individually, such as by retracting (andthereby tensioning) each tie down in turn as soon as it is coupled toits fixture 110.

The particular order and combination of steps will depend on the type ofwork vehicle 106, the type of cargo vehicle 100, the location and typeof fixtures 110 on trailer 104, and the locations of tie downs 124, 126on work vehicle 106, as well as operator preference and skill level.

FIG. 1 illustrates work vehicle 106 oriented in the same direction ascargo vehicle 100, with the front of both vehicles facing to the left.In an alternative process of attaching work vehicle 106 to trailer 104,vehicle 106 can be backed up ramps 108 such that vehicle 106 faces inthe opposite direction as cargo vehicle 100.

If the work vehicle 106 is loaded on to trailer 104 of cargo vehicle 100backwards, with its front end facing the rear of the cargo vehicle andits rear end facing the front of the cargo vehicle, the preferred tiedown attachment points would be reversed. Belts 132 from tie downs 126would preferably extend forward (with respect to cargo vehicle 100) tofixtures 110, and belts 132 from tie downs 124 would extend backward(with respect to cargo vehicle 100) to fixtures 110.

It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps, andarrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated toexplain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made bythose skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within theprinciples and scope of the invention. The foregoing descriptionillustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however,concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in otherembodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the inventionbroadly as well as in the specific form shown.

For example, there are alternative methods, structures, andconfigurations to the preferred embodiments such as using a chain,cable, or cord for a belt, rather than a reinforced flat fiber strap.The method of tightening the tie down may include an intermediate winchor manual tensioning device located partway along the belt or at eitherend. As a further example, the tie downs may be permanently fixed to thework vehicle, such as by welding or riveting. Further, the retractorassembly may be mounted directly to the work vehicle, rather than beingfixed to the intermediate mounting plate 136 that, in turn, is fixed tothe work vehicle.

Cargo securing fixtures 110 can be a slot, as shown herein, but may alsoinclude a pin, ring, rail, aperture, or hook.

Retracting device 158 can use a different actuator in place of spring172, such as a hand crank, a winch, or an electric motor. Aspring-loaded automatic retracting device is, however, the preferredembodiment due to its simplicity and ease of use.

Manual lock 160 is shown herein as a pushbutton lock. In an alternativeconfiguration, other structures may be used to activate the lock, suchas levers, toggles, knobs, or solenoids.

Cargo vehicle 100 may be configured as two or more units pivotallycoupled together such as the tractor and trailer illustrated herein. Forexample, instead of towing a single trailer 104, tractor 102 can becoupled to (and tow) two or more trailers 104. Alternatively, cargovehicle 100 can be a single unitary structure, such as a flatbed truck,enclosed truck, or car carrier.

Tractor 102 can be a common tractor for a tractor-trailer rig, as shownhere. Alternatively, it may be an automobile, pickup truck, dump truck,or other vehicle configured for towing a trailer.

Trailer 104 is preferably the dual axle trailer 104 shown herein, butmay alternatively be a flatbed trailer, enclosed trailer, or single ormultilevel “car carrier” trailer, for example.

Tie downs 124, 126 may be fixed to other portions of work vehicle 106,however. For work vehicles 106 other than skid steer loaders, the tiedowns may be mounted to the frame, chassis, blade, bucket, excavator,backhoe, or other strong rigid component of the work vehicle.

Smaller work vehicles 106 may only require two tie downs to adequatelysecure them to trailer 104. Larger (or longer) work vehicles may requiresix or more tie downs to adequately secure them to trailer 104.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A method for securing a work vehicle onto a trailerusing a plurality of retractable tie downs, wherein the plurality of tiedowns are fixed to the work vehicle, said method comprising the stepsof: (a) driving the vehicle onto the trailer; (b) unreeling a free endof one or more tie downs from the work vehicle; (c) attaching the freeend of one or more tie downs to the trailer; and (d) tensioning one ormore tie downs.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the work vehicle isa skid steer loader including towers and loader arms.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein at least one tie down is fixed to a tower.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein at least one tie down is fixed to a loaderarms.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein step (d) includes a step ofdriving the vehicle forward or backward until said tie downs are tense.18. The method of claim 13, wherein step (d) includes a step of raisingor lowering the loader arms until said tie downs are tense.
 19. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the tie down includes a manual release andwherein step (d) includes steps of activating the manual release, andautomatically retracting the free end of the tie down onto a reel by aspring force.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the tie down includesa manual release and wherein step (b) includes steps of activating themanual release, and pulling a free end from a reel under spring tension.21. The method of claim 13, wherein the tie down includes a manual lock,and wherein step (c) includes a step of activating the manual lock toprohibit the free end from further extension. 22-27. (canceled)